[WikiEN-l] The userbox fad

[Peter Mackay]

> From: wikien-l-bounces at Wikipedia.org 
> [mailto:wikien-l-bounces at Wikipedia.org] On Behalf Of jayjg

> > There are better social clubs available on the net. If 
> socialising is 
> > truly their main interest, then they'll go elsewhere soon enough.
> 
> There are no social clubs available on the net with the prestige of
> Wikipedia.  It is a top 20 website.

Surely, using your own definition, that would mean that there are 19 more
attractive ones?

>  But so long as
> > they aren't actually doing any harm, then why not praise their
> > constructive
> > efforts, instead of trying to chase them away? The more we 
> make Wikipedia
> > a
> > cheerful co-operative community instead of a battleground, 
> the better for
> > all concerned.
> >
> When they argue about policy with longtime editors who actually know
> something about policy, they *are* doing harm.  They are 
> wasting the time
> and trying the patience of someone who is actually 
> contributing to the goal
> of the project.

Did you try praising their constructive efforts before demonstrating to them
that the proper role of a longtime editor is to spend time haranguing new
editors?

Maybe that sounds flippant, but ask yourself how these people must view your
attitude and what sort of example you are setting.

Peter (Skyring)